The wood is planted with a more or less even mixture of Sitka and Norway spruce, with an additional stand of larch to the west. The spruce give year-round greenery, whilst the deciduous larch changes from a spring verdant green, through to an autumnal golden yellow. An occasional self-seeded intruder adds welcome variety by its presence; Scots pine and unusually large rowan, have been spotted between the conifers. Holly, rowan and hawthorn, all-important understorey species, have started to take a foothold, whilst the forest floor is a carpet of ferns and mosses.

A resident population of roe deer moves throughout the whole woodland and sightings within Pilum are not uncommon. A variety of small birds, tits, finches and the like, are supplemented by larger woodpeckers and jays. Mewling buzzards are regularly seen and heard through the open canopy.

At the end of the access track, a substantial hardstanding facilitates the management and use of the wood and would facilitate the stacking of harvested timber. A small bench has been created from local timber to encourage relaxation and taking time out to watch the woodland world go by.

A number of watercourses run roughly south to north. Although the water level varies considerably, it is enough to create its own valuable mini-ecosystem of damp favouring flora, adding greatly to the diversity of the woodland.

Access to the wood is from the B6307 and then along well-made forest tracks, a network of which run throughout the wood as a whole.

Within the wood, the well-spaced trees interspersed with open glades, makes traversing the wood a pleasant and easy experience. A small path leads from the hardstanding to a gently flowing watercourse.

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

The large amount of growing timber could be sustainably harvested as a domestic wood fuel source; this would also encourage a greater diversity of trees and flora to flourish in the space created.

An overnight camping stay is an attractive proposition, facilitating wildlife watching at the prime times of dusk and dawn.

The woods at Dilston were formerly part of the estate of the Radcliffes of nearby Dilston Hall. Now serving as a more useful specialist further education college, the hall was built to rival nearby 18th century mansions but was never completed. At the outbreak of the Jacobite Rebellion, work was suspended, never to be resumed. All that remains are the ruins of Dilston Castle, situated on the banks of the Devils water, a lively tributary of the River Tyne.

The name Pilum was chosen for the wood in recognition of the strong Roman influences in the area. A pilum was a spear, not dissimilar to a javelin, employed to great effect by ancient Roman foot soldiers.

The wood is part of a larger area of woodland which runs down to the River Tyne. The Tyne is considered to be England's best salmon river which together with sea trout runs gives the opportunity for excellent fishing. This is a quiet rural setting with many public footpaths with good walking. Nearby is Hadrian's Wall with the more challenging Hadrian's Wall Long Distance Path.

The attractive market towns of Hexham with its historic abbey and Roman Corbridge lie a short drive away. Rowing and canoeing are popular from Tyne Green riverside park.